Since the year 2001, televisions 13 inches and larger were required by the FCC to include a V-chip.

"The FCC has adopted rules requiring
all television sets with picture screens 33 centimeters (13 inches) or
larger to be equipped with features to block the display of television
programming based upon its rating. This technology is known as the
"V-Chip." The V-Chip reads information encoded in the rated program and
blocks programs from the set based upon the rating selected by the
parent. [News Release on TV Set Requirements and Ratings]More about the rules at http://www.fcc.gov/vchip/

There is a problem with the way the technology was implemented:
There is no standard set of instructions on how to use it, and once it is set it is often difficult to reset!
That's why this site was started. I hope to build a database that
explains what needs to be done to turn off your V-chip quickly and
easily when you need to do so.
So far, the site contains information from products from the following manufactureres:

Apex Digital: Apex sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The override code for many sets is 6688. Other sets may not have one, or may have a default code of 1225 instead of an override code.

To use it: hit the MENU key to get to the menus. Go down to the
STSTEM menu and hit the "right" arrow on the remote control.Once in the SYSTEM menu, go to PARENTAL GUIDE. It will ask for your passcode. Enter the override code listed above.

From here, you can turn on and off different rating restrictions, as
well as set a new passcode. Keep in mind that no matter what the
passcode is set to, the override code will still work.

GE: GE sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip.
The code reset procedure is different depending on the model.
Try each method until you find one that works:

Method 1: Hold down MENU on the remote and VOLUME DOWN on the TV its
self at the same time for at least 4 seconds. The set won't say
so, but the lock will be unlocked

Method 2: Hold down the 0 on the remote and the VOLUME DOWN
button on the TV its self at the same time for at least 4 seconds.
The set won't say so, but the lock will be unlocked

Method 3: Hold down the MENUbutton on the front of the TV and the
TV button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds.

Method 4: Hold down GO BACK on the remote and MENU on the front of the TV at the same time for at least 4 seconds.

Method 5: Hold down EJECT on the front of the TV and the MENU button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds.

Depending on the model, one of the methods should unlock the V-chip.
Now, if desired, you can change the settings on the V-chip by
going to the MENU and going to PARENTAL CONTROLS, or on some sets,
going to MENU and then going to TV SETUP, then to V-CHIP SET.

Mitsubishi:
Bypassing the V-Chip Lock on most Mitsubishi sets:
Mitsubishi sets use a four-digit passcode that is required to view a
V-Chip locked program, view the locked TV, cancel the lock, or enter
the V-Chip lock menus.
If you don't have the passcode, it is easy to bypass. This is
neccessary if you forgot the code, purchased the set used, or if you
simply don't feel like searching through your files to find it.

To bypass the V-chip: You
can view the locked shows by pressing the number 9 and QV buttons on
the remote at the same time, whenever your passcode is
requested. This process temporarily unlocks the TV.

To reset the code: When
you use the button combination 9 and QV while entering the V-Chip Lock
menu, this process deletes your old passcode and prompts
you to enter a new passcode.

Panasonic:Panasonic
sets need to be reset to clear the v-chip settings. To do this, put it
in standby mode. Next, press the POWER and ACTION buttons at the same time
and then turn the power off. The set should reset to the factory
defaults, and deactivate the v-chip.

Philips: Philips sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The override code for Philip sets is 0711, although it may say "Incorrect code" the first time to trick you. If "Incorrect code" is displayed, simply enter 0711 again.

To use it: hit the MENU key to get to the menus. Go up or down
until you reach AUTOLOCK or SMARTLOCK, depending on the model, and push
the "right arrow" key on the remote. Enter the override code, and
enter it a second time if it says it is incorrect.Once
in the AUTOLOCK or SMARTLOCK menu, go to BLOCK, and push the "right
arrow" key. Go to BLOCKING OPTIONS and press the "right arrow"
key. Go to MASTER DISABLE and press the "right arrow" key so that
it says "MASTER DISABLE ON". The v-chip is
now deactivated.

Pioneer Plasma TVs: Pioneer plasma sets use a four digit code to control the
v-chip. Pioneer sets need to be reset when the v-chip code is
unknown, because they do not have override codes. Once the
television is reset, all programs are unlocked, and a new code can be
set if you desire.

To reset the Pioneer: First put the media reciever in standby mode, and
then hold down the CLEAR button and press STANDBY/ON on the plasma
display. The device should now be reset.
If you want, you can now run auto install to configure your device.
Turn on the power, press MENU, select SETUP on the screen, and
press ENTER. If it asks for a secret number, you need to reset
the the device again and start over. Otherwise, scroll to AUTO
INSTALLATION and press ENTER.

Dish Network boxes: More info on Dish Network will come later. Some models can be reset with the following sequence:
Push MENU
Push 6
Push 3
Push INFO
Push right arrow
Push left arrow
Push TV/VIDEO
Unplug the device
Plug the device back in

PS2:The PS2 deletion code is 7444.

How to use it:
When you try to use a DVD that is blocked, it will ask for your code.
Press SELECT on the controller. Enter the deletion code
when prompted. You can then set a new lock code. Next,
remove the disk and then turn off your PS2. If the procedure was
done correctly, you now have a new code to use whenever you are asked
for it.

X-BOX: To reset the X-Box code, go to the settings screen from
the dashboard. From there, go to PARENTAL CONTROL. Intead
of entering the code, press the following button combination: X, Y, LEFT TRIGGER, X

You will enter the PARENTAL CONTROLS screen where you can set a new code, or disable the parental lock.